Jaw pain

About a week ago I had such a terrible "toothache" I could hardly stand it.  I took two rapid release tylenol, the pain went away and I thought may be it had been caused by clenching my jaw during the day (without realizing it).  Anyway, the pain came back again yeasterday with a vengence!  My lower jaw on my left side has severe pain that lasts several minutes then subsides for a while.  The upper jaw on the left side is also effected but isn't as severe.  Sometimes there is stabbing pain to my ear.  The pain is bad enough to wake me up at night. It almost feels like a "charly horse" in my jaw. I use a splint at night.  I do have an implant in my lower jaw on that side and see a dentist regularly.  I'm wondering if I should wait until Monday to see my dentist or if this is something a medical doctor should check?

[Jerome Bogin, D.D.S.]

It sounds like you should wait to see your dentist.

[mike1105]

pain does not happen for no reason. it sounds like a dentist or oral surgeon would be best able to diagnose the problem. the sooner, the better, obviously.

[siren of the sea]

this is just a suggestion but ibuprofen is better for pain caused by tmj problems. for sure see your dentist. is your splint one from the dentist or one that you bought at a drug store> the drug store ones are a waste of money as you need one to fit correctly and to balance your bite properly. id see your dentist and go from there.

[caitcalcalm]

My splint is from a dentist.  On Monday I'll go see my dentist but I'm not sure if this is tooth or ear related.  The pain is definately in my jaw, but I could not point to a specific tooth and the pain shoots up to my ear.  I'll also try ibuprophen.  Thanks for the comments!

[caitcalcalm]

I went to my dentist, he says I need a root canal on one of my molars that is capped.  I guess I'll just have to do it.

[careyb112]

I don's know if you have ever had braces before, but if so, or if you grind your teeth, there is a very good chance you might have TMJ.  It causes severe jaw pain because the jaw is not aligning correctly.  If it is, you generally can not open your mouth as far due to tightening or sometimes you can even feel or hear it pop.

[ihave been i your shoes or your mouth]

Sounds like tic de la rue to me. They just came out with a good book for this sorry I don't know the name or author A friend of mine suffers from similar symptoms